KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Value of HCI in International Development

Dr. Andrew Dearden
Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Biography of the Keynote Speaker

Andy Dearden is Reader in e-Social Action at Sheffield Hallam University.

He has a BSc in Mathematics from Durham and a PGCE from Newcastle upon Tyne. He worked for 5 years as a math teacher at Inner London schools before doing an MSc in Computer Science at University College London, and a PhD in Software Engineering for HCI at York.

His early research explored knowledge based and safety-critical interactive systems, including work with major defense contractors such as BAE SYSTEMS. He also worked as a senior interaction designer for a software house delivering systems for the retail sector.

Since 2000 his work has focused on the theory and practice of participatory approaches to design, and how technology design can assist organizations and individuals to promote positive social change.

His current work includes:

• Coordinating the AHRC / EPSRC Design for the 21st Century network 'Technology and Social Action' and the project 'Practical Design for Social Action'.
• Advising voluntary sector organizations such as Voluntary Action Sheffield, Shelter, and the National Council for Voluntary Organizations about design and use of ICT.
• Managing the EPSRC Rural e-Services project investigating innovative and sustainable IT solutions for microfinance co-operatives in developing countries.

He is a member of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR), the Design Research Society, and the British Computer Society (BCS). He is communications chair for Interaction - a specialist group of the BCS, with responsibility for all their publications including Interfaces and www.UsabilityNews.com.

For more information, start at www.technologyandsocialaction.org.